Lechmere Passport Cover
3.9" x 5.8" / Black
$28.99
Product Details & Size Guide
GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Take the story of a New England retail landmark along on your travels with this Lechmere passport cover. Founded in Cambridge in 1913, the company grew from a harness shop into a broad merchandise chain serving shoppers across the region and beyond. Its changing product mix and corporate history ended with the closure of all locations in 1997. For former customers, Cambridge locals, and retail-history collectors, this piece offers a personal link to a familiar name and a memorable chapter in American shopping.
Lechmere began in 1913, when Abraham Cohen bought a harness shop in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and named it for the nearby Lechmere district. As automobiles grew popular, the business added tires and became Lechmere Vulcanizing Company. After Cohen’s children joined following World War II, it expanded into appliances; in 1948 it became the incorporated Lechmere Tire & Sales Company. Household goods, televisions, toys, and other merchandise followed. The first store moved in 1956 to a former bus garage at 88 First Street in Cambridge, later expanded to 100,000 square feet. Dayton’s bought the chain in 1968; its parent became Dayton Hudson Corporation, while Lechmere remained a separate subsidiary. Store growth included Dedham, Danvers, and Springfield. In 1981 the company name was simplified to Lechmere, Inc., and the chain expanded beyond New England. Berkshire Partners and Boston developers Steve Karp and Steve Wiener bought it in 1989, then Berkshire sold it to Montgomery Ward Holdings in 1994. On August 1, 1997, the parent announced Lechmere’s closure during bankruptcy reorganization. All locations ceased business on November 7, 1997.
Take the story of a New England retail landmark along on your travels with this Lechmere passport cover. Founded in Cambridge in 1913, the company grew from a harness shop into a broad merchandise chain serving shoppers across the region and beyond. Its changing product mix and corporate history ended with the closure of all locations in 1997. For former customers, Cambridge locals, and retail-history collectors, this piece offers a personal link to a familiar name and a memorable chapter in American shopping.
Lechmere began in 1913, when Abraham Cohen bought a harness shop in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and named it for the nearby Lechmere district. As automobiles grew popular, the business added tires and became Lechmere Vulcanizing Company. After Cohen’s children joined following World War II, it expanded into appliances; in 1948 it became the incorporated Lechmere Tire & Sales Company. Household goods, televisions, toys, and other merchandise followed. The first store moved in 1956 to a former bus garage at 88 First Street in Cambridge, later expanded to 100,000 square feet. Dayton’s bought the chain in 1968; its parent became Dayton Hudson Corporation, while Lechmere remained a separate subsidiary. Store growth included Dedham, Danvers, and Springfield. In 1981 the company name was simplified to Lechmere, Inc., and the chain expanded beyond New England. Berkshire Partners and Boston developers Steve Karp and Steve Wiener bought it in 1989, then Berkshire sold it to Montgomery Ward Holdings in 1994. On August 1, 1997, the parent announced Lechmere’s closure during bankruptcy reorganization. All locations ceased business on November 7, 1997.
| 3.9" x 5.8" | |
| Height, in | 5.79 |
| Width (Closed), in | 3.94 |
| Width (Open), in | 8.03 |
| Depth, in | 0.39 |
Product features
- Two card slots plus pockets for boarding passes or IDs
- Cruelty-free black PU faux leather exterior
- RFID-blocking lining to protect against skimming
- One-size fits most passports (3.9″ × 5.8″)
- Vibrant front-cover print with potential edge fading on darker solids
Care instructions
- Wipe with a damp cloth, air dry or use a soft, non-abrasive cloth
EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Generic brand, two year warranty in the EU and Northern Ireland
Care instructions: Wipe with a damp cloth, air dry or use a soft, non-abrasive cloth